tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post6233645149249578736..comments2024-03-27T05:56:36.051-04:00Comments on H A R L E M + B E S P O K E: ☞ SEE: Fifth on the Park Public ArtUlysseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00817576268296958520noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-79444220418025180702010-07-21T17:33:16.276-04:002010-07-21T17:33:16.276-04:00I am appalled at the anger and hostility expressed...I am appalled at the anger and hostility expressed over this peaceful, loving piece of art. To me it represents sisters who are totally comfortable with each other and non-judgemental. What a rare and wonderful thing! <br /><br />What we see in art represents who we are, and obviously the people who are complaining have issues to resolve which are truly unrelated to the art. It is arrogant in the extreme to attach a different motive to the artist than the one he has expressed himself. Many of these comments have been hurtful and demeaning and are unjustified. I've appreciated those which have been thought provoking and insightful.<br /><br />I applaud the artist who sees beauty in the woman who does not fit the model expected today. Let's look for beauty, folks, and let's be kind.cboswellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-54749990739179073172010-07-20T19:22:40.912-04:002010-07-20T19:22:40.912-04:00I'm Nnamdi's mother-in-law. I'm a &qu...I'm Nnamdi's mother-in-law. I'm a "fluffy" white woman--Mormon, too. Nnamdi's wife is thin blond woman, sweet and kind and "color-blind". Our grandchildren are lovely and bi-racial. We are family. Now someone find fault with that!<br /><br />I saw Nnamdi labor over that work of art for two years! No one knows what he put into that piece. It's beautiful and moving. Remember, "we see the world not as it is but as we are". Thank you for seeing beauty in this sometimes ugly world, Nnamdi.Brendanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-8162416001775656422010-07-19T15:14:42.408-04:002010-07-19T15:14:42.408-04:00wow, it sounds to me like people who take offense ...wow, it sounds to me like people who take offense easily are people who have issues themselves and will find offense in anything. <br /><br />But back to the topic at hand, If you do a little research you'll find that this came from very humble beginnings himself, learned to play basketball to pursue the dream of coming to America. Then continued with that dream and earned a bachelors and masters in fine art and has created something from his heart to depict how he feels about "friendship" and ironically there are many people out there being unfriendly about it. <br /><br />This artist just won Best of Show this weekend at the Buffalo Grove Art Festival in IL. Good for him!!Deannna - Younique Presenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17235604783232050651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-69253398295295803762010-07-13T11:31:10.592-04:002010-07-13T11:31:10.592-04:00HYPOCRISY CATCH OF THE DAY:
At 9:58 Anon proclaim...HYPOCRISY CATCH OF THE DAY:<br /><br />At 9:58 Anon proclaims how racist the sculpture is in its depiction of black women as "a one size fits all" and that "the only thing missing is a watermelon" <br /><br />THEN at 2:17 the very same poster bashes the artist's religious beliefs and declaring that all Mormons are clueless as Mormonism is a cult religion, dumping all of it's members into a one-size-fits-all category.<br /><br />Doesn't this sound familiar? (It's the same commenter given the encore use of the "Negro Lawn Jockey" phrase.)<br /><br />You've just pissed all over you're original argument by showing your hypocrisy. Thank you for wasting our reading time with your bogus input.zListernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-35578770445452683472010-07-10T23:27:23.965-04:002010-07-10T23:27:23.965-04:00Hey, we Episcopalians have women priests and bisho...Hey, we Episcopalians have women priests and bishops. And gay women priests and bishops. <br /><br />But yeah, this thread began as a discussion of the sculptor's art and ended as a personal attack on the man and that just ain't right.Sanou's Mumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-9980137746353068532010-07-10T21:46:26.591-04:002010-07-10T21:46:26.591-04:00Poster 5:06 says: "Until very recently blacks...Poster 5:06 says: "Until very recently blacks could not become priests in the mormon system...Black people aligning with an organization of this foundation clearly lack in their own Black identity, esteem, integrity, awareness"<br /><br />Well from that you would have to extrapolate that all women (of any race, creed, or color) lack integrity, esteem, etc. given their treatment at the hands of organized religion...<br /><br />So poster 5:06, whoever you are, stop being so focused on your own crap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-18109636705428649992010-07-10T17:06:23.298-04:002010-07-10T17:06:23.298-04:002:55 said, "..(in reference to the artist) it...2:55 said, "..(in reference to the artist) it is highly unethical to state that as a BLACK person, this guy is wrong to be a Mormon.<br />...<br /><br />Unethical?, more like accurate, appropriate, and clear. In case you forgot, according to the Mormons, Black-skinned people are of inferior origin - mormonism teaches that the spirit beings that did not fight valiantly for God come to earth as blacks, while those who fought valiantly come to earth as whites. Until very recently blacks could not become priests in the mormon system of worship for reasons related to this and other demeaning doctrines. This is why I say Black people aligning with an organization of this foundation clearly lack in their own Black identity, esteem, integrity, awareness, you name it. <br /><br />The fact that Nnamdi Okonkwo is a card carrying Mormon says a lot to me. If some considered a piece of art as "anti-semitic", and you later learned the artist was a card carrying member of an organization that viewed Jews inferior people, you would not argue the possible influence of the artist and the nexus.<br /><br />What's the difference here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-30065047029426877982010-07-10T16:52:00.993-04:002010-07-10T16:52:00.993-04:00My son’s Godfather became a Mormon and he’s from C...My son’s Godfather became a Mormon and he’s from Congo. Go figger. To me, an odd choice but his choice. Does it make him any less Black? I don’t think so. <br /><br />So unless you know Mr. Okonkwo personally I respectfully suggest you refrain from judging him other than as an artist.Sanou’s Mumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-3986040641635525742010-07-10T14:55:50.055-04:002010-07-10T14:55:50.055-04:00Poster at 2:17: There is no such thing as "bl...Poster at 2:17: There is no such thing as "black" identity that all of a certain race must assume or be wrong. A statement that too often follows, in this kind of essentialist thinking, is, "He think he white ..." I have heard this many times. There are many factors that work out to form identity - class, nationality, religion, level of education, and so on. <br /><br />That people can somewhat freely choose to be whatever they want is actually a good thing. You can criticize Mormonism, if you want, but it is highly unethical to state that as a BLACK person, this guy is wrong to be a Mormon. This is precisely the thinking behind racism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-83915605517516129502010-07-10T14:17:45.229-04:002010-07-10T14:17:45.229-04:00I understand Nnamdi Okonkwo to be a card carrying ...I understand Nnamdi Okonkwo to be a card carrying member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - the Mormons.<br /><br />(1) Now how on earth does any Black person on the planet get down with Mormonism? That in itself merits debate on the Black person's intelligence, awareness, esteem, self-identity, etc. <br /><br />(2) Many well reasoned, bright, well schooled people, historians, etc. consider The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - the Mormons to be a cult anyway. Google it, whether they indeed are a cult is clearly open for debate.<br /><br />The point? Yes, you show me a Black person that's a card carrying Mormon and I'll show you a Black person lacking in self-identity, esteem, awareness, history, of their ethnicity, just out of touch culturally.<br /><br />I completely believe a MORMON is CLUELESS on how offensive this art is, placed where it is. A Fat Black woman or women (take you pick ) of labor, a house laborer or a Nanny's (no jewelery, no expression, just the appearance of fatigue, nothing but a generic uniform, etc.) greeting all the wealthy people in their out of place wealthy building. It's a joke. It's modern day Negro Lawn Jockey Caliber stuff. <br /><br />Yes, the fact that this Black artist is a Mormon is relative as it speaks to their lacking in their own ethnic identity, esteem, awareness, and history. It's crazy for anyone to buy into the cult of the Mormons. For a Black person to is simply crazy x 2 = Nnamdi Okonkwo, talent artist, but clueless as a Black man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-80381142735250540782010-07-10T10:36:47.581-04:002010-07-10T10:36:47.581-04:00Anonymous
Fernando Botero is NOT THE ARTIST whos...Anonymous <br /><br />Fernando Botero is NOT THE ARTIST whose sculptor we are talking about !<br /><br />Look at THIS link From http://www.downtownmesa.com/they_waiting.htm <br /><br />Okonkwo is the artist, after reading about him do you honestly believe his objective is a negative one ?MsCiaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-59271299169007113402010-07-10T10:24:01.780-04:002010-07-10T10:24:01.780-04:00Anonymous 9:00pm said, "All you people do a G...Anonymous 9:00pm said, "All you people do a Google search Fernando Botero and determine if his <br />art is offensive!!<br />...<br /><br />Okay, I did. Yes, in Botero's Abu Ghraib collection, the painting with the man face down on the floor, blind folded, hands bound, facial expression of despair and fear, ass exposed, and a ferocious dog on top of him appearing to be ready to f*ck him in the ass, literally doggy style. I am not big on zoophilia, beastiality, and rape and to answer you, yes, I find this work of Botero offensive. If you hung this painting in front of Posh Paws on 115th & 8th Ave. most of the public would also find this "art" offensive.<br /><br />Your point is??????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-25090540649204275822010-07-10T10:19:44.298-04:002010-07-10T10:19:44.298-04:00What's offensive is the monstrosity next to th...What's offensive is the monstrosity next to the sculpture and all it represents. The sculpture is art, you can love it or hate. The other is an ugly symbol of the chasm between the classes; a place where only the wealthy can reside.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-42204419892053338002010-07-09T22:48:56.484-04:002010-07-09T22:48:56.484-04:00anonymous 8:15: You are the reason harlem is still...anonymous 8:15: You are the reason harlem is still entrenched in remaining crime and violence. I walked side by side with people of all color to be educated and prosper in in todays society. Every person has the anility to treat one another with love and be succesful and prosper today. It is unfortunate that was not the case in an earlier time. But that is not the case today. Until we get over this latent entitlement and racism we will never grow as a community. You make me sad, and you suppress the ability for both white and black people to flourish.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-5734307323322496582010-07-09T21:29:52.343-04:002010-07-09T21:29:52.343-04:00And if Fifth on the Park had chosen a sculpture of...And if Fifth on the Park had chosen a sculpture of white people instead, the same people would be denouncing it as racist. Can't win.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-31473795140005157922010-07-09T21:15:11.454-04:002010-07-09T21:15:11.454-04:00Botero's work contains political commentary or...Botero's work contains political commentary or satire, though. I do not think this artist uses the monumental forms with the same intention. <br />Here, I think the monumental female form is meant to convey warmth, solidity, strength, dignity, as enduring values that are very present. <br />While Botero probably intends to offend, subtly but firmly, I do not think this is Okonkwo's intention.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-74259840142282693752010-07-09T21:00:30.753-04:002010-07-09T21:00:30.753-04:00OK....
I'm going to put an "END" to...OK....<br /><br />I'm going to put an "END" to this...<br /><br />All you people do a Google search on an artist<br />named (Fernando Botero) and determine if his <br />art is offensive!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-5644630060033365132010-07-09T20:56:31.205-04:002010-07-09T20:56:31.205-04:00Anon 2:03 :
If I am not mistaken the most successf...Anon 2:03 :<br />If I am not mistaken the most successfull old black man on planet Earth is a certain guy in South Africa bearing the name Nelson Mandela! He has been through far greater challenges in life than probably any black person living in Harlem today, and still he is able to put justice, forgiveness and reconciliation before revenge, hate and unjustified cries of racism.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-35988607226946839572010-07-09T20:15:27.994-04:002010-07-09T20:15:27.994-04:006:00 said, "In no other neighborhood in this ...6:00 said, "In no other neighborhood in this city is a businessperson, a developer, a restauranteur, an educator, the parks dept, or a city agency subjected to the "what are you going to do for our community" blather to such an extent as Harlem". <br /><br />That's because Harlem is largely a community of expected entitlement and benefactors of social welfare galore, cradle to grave. It's the White people's fault. If you just honored your end of the agreement, 40 acres and a mule, none of this would be necessary, we would have been "square".<br /><br />But you did not, you once again F'ed over the Black man, failed to honor your agreement and the consequence is lifetime entitlement. You did it to yourselves. Housing, Food, Medical, you name it, it's all coming out of your pocket! We're entrenched, our numbers vast, we ain't going no where!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-90117125799713891112010-07-09T19:41:59.400-04:002010-07-09T19:41:59.400-04:00Ulysses, it would be nice if you could find a way ...Ulysses, it would be nice if you could find a way to forward the messages of support to the artist. There are some wonderful responses here. After all of this, I would hate for him to go away thinking that he or his work is not wanted in Harlem, when in fact, I think the vast majority of those who have taken time to reflect upon his work, think it is a wonderful piece of art.Chrishttp://www.runthe5.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-22277089947080136622010-07-09T19:17:19.495-04:002010-07-09T19:17:19.495-04:00This African American woman thinks it's a beau...This African American woman thinks it's a beautiful and soulful piece of art. My heart aches that we have suffered so much as a people that we find negativity and demeaning messages almost everywhere. God help us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-38481346583732632102010-07-09T18:54:26.921-04:002010-07-09T18:54:26.921-04:00Whatever sculpture Fifth on the Park chooses to di...Whatever sculpture Fifth on the Park chooses to display will certainly evoke criticism and claims of racism from some in Harlem, my advise to the artist and the building, take no notice of the angry few, because for some, whatever is associated with this building will always invoke claims of racism.<br /><br />Regarding the occasional racism towards new comers, there is no excuse for this and to justify it is really sad. When I came to Harlem I was under the mistaken belief that those hat had suffered racism would be the last to inflict it on others, that I have discovered unfortunately is not always the case.<br /><br />Back to the art itself, and this discussion, it has been a very interesting to read peoples understanding of the work, for me it represents a lot of the warmth and neighborliness that makes Harlem special and is a positive contribution to the street. I think is great that fifth on the Park has chosen this positive addition to the neighborhood.westsiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01054880627414562052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-34203635234676410842010-07-09T18:25:35.545-04:002010-07-09T18:25:35.545-04:00Hallelujah, Anon 5:03 and Anon 6:00!
I love the i...Hallelujah, Anon 5:03 and Anon 6:00!<br /><br />I love the increasingly multicultural Harlem! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-5808715091361010272010-07-09T18:11:35.241-04:002010-07-09T18:11:35.241-04:00I second everything Anon 5:03 just said. Racism i...I second everything Anon 5:03 just said. Racism is racism, regardless of where it comes from, or to whom it is directed. There is no point defending it (if you do, you're only fostering more racism in the future). <br /><br />As a father of a two-year old, I've become very sensitive to the issue, and it makes me furious. Neither blacks nor whites are innocent here; you all disgust me at one time or another.. <br /><br />P.S. -The debate over this silly statue is ridiculous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048034911181517049.post-7255062615301405512010-07-09T18:00:19.252-04:002010-07-09T18:00:19.252-04:00In no other neighborhood in this city is a busines...In no other neighborhood in this city is a businessperson, a developer, a restauranteur, an educator, the parks dept, or a city agency subjected to the "what are you going to do for our community" blather to such an extent as Harlem.<br />What has this community done for itself in the past 25 years?<br />From what I have witnessed, countless people and entities of enormous good will have invested in every way, shape, and form to make this a better place.<br />Stop complaining, accept change, and take responsibility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com